Artificial Intelligence and Psychotherapy

The television show featured an author promoting his new book about artificial intelligence. He had concerns as well as hopes for the promise of technology to further improve our lives, especially when it comes to health care. An example he gave was of an AI radiologist being much more accurate than a human, as well as faster, cheaper, and more accessible.

I thought of my often repeated remark that I could only do psychotherapy with someone who had their own act together better than I do. I thought of AI psychotherapy in science fiction, such as Steel Beach, by John Varley. I commented aloud that if they perfected an AI therapist, I would be a customer.

My darling wife at first seemed surprised, but then caught me off guard.

She said, “You think you need a therapist? …………………………………….

I hope?”

What would I do without her?